Mid-size ship operation Paul Gauguin Cruises, which in recent years has typically based itself in the South Pacific, is moving closer to Australian shores with new itineraries between Bali and Fiji featuring as part of its newly-released 2017 schedule.

Debuting in next year’s lineup will be a pair of one-way voyages between Lautoka, Fiji and the port of Benoa in Bali, Indonesia. The 16-day voyage will depart Fiji on 29 April 2017, first heading south to Vanuatu before visiting the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and a variety of Indonesian ports before arriving in Bali. The return journey will be a 17-night sailing, departing on 07 June 2017.

Following the sale of the MV Tere Moana to Grand Circle Cruise Line in June last year, Paul Gauguin Cruises will operate only a single ship from May 2016 – the MS Paul Gauguin. The 332-passenger ship is catered by 215 crew and features seven passenger decks. A retractable watersports marina at the rear of the ship allows guests to set off themselves on a variety of water craft including wind surfers and zodiacs.

Aside from its new Bali and Fiji voyages, the ship will remain for most of the year based in the familiar waters of Tahiti and the Society, Tuamotu and Marquesas island chains, operating voyages of between 7-14 roundtrip itineraries from Papeete, with the occasional journey to the Cook Islands, Tonga and Fiji.

Also new for the line in 2017 is a partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which will see the establishment of educational seminars and programs onboard the ship during voyages. Guests can learn more about marine science and wildlife conservation efforts in the South Pacific and beyond, with special entertainment and educational programs designed especially for children and families.